Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Better Bag Maker - Book Review and Giveaway!

If you’ve ever been interested in making your own bags, you should take a look at this! In her latest how to book, our friend, the very talented Nikki Mallalieu, shares her tricks, techniques and shortcuts so you can achieve a perfect design and finish. It contains 10 bag projects so you'll definitely find a bag to suit your needs, skill level and next travel destination! You could choose a Melbourne Weekender, Marrakesh Overnighter or a Barcelona Satchel.  



...and you just might recognise some of the fabric featured inside this beautifully photographed and written book.


Stash Books has very generously offered a Giveaway of The Better Bag Maker. You can win a copy of the Better Bag Maker (hard copy in the US, digital version for the rest of the world). All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what your favourite bag style is. The Giveaway will be open until Friday July 25th.


ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED
The winner is Cheryl Bush! Cheryl, please email us with your details and we will arrange for you to receive your copy of Nikki's beautiful book!

43 comments:

AMM said...

I love a cross body bag for capacity and security.

Lynn said...

I love tote bags, big and small! Seems I'm always carrying something somewhere. These bags are a perfect way to show off your beautiful fabric!

Balles Bazaar said...

Cross body bag or a medium sized bag with medium length handles are the ones for me. I hope to win. Would love to sew such beautiful bags.

Birlot said...

All of them really, but a cool messenger bag is a go to option for me ...

MichelleGreen said...

I love nappy bags - though my children are too big for nappies - I still find I need to carry everything from water bottles to jackets for the family. I'd love to make a prettier one though :)

Amy said...

I love sewing cute clutches to wear with special outfits!

MyLittleBlueDog said...

Well it has to be a tote!

whale said...

I love messenger bags since I always want to carry so much stuff: my water bottle, my camera, my sketchbook, my book, etc., etc., etc. I love the use of your fabric in here - it really shows off the beautiful prints. Thanks for the giveaway!

Leisurely Lesley said...

I do have a fetish for anything that resembles a bag. If I had to pick a current fave it would be the tote style. And thank you for this opportunity.

chairell from Canada said...

I would love to make that Melbourne weekender bag with some Ink and Spindle acacia fabric that I have. I have been saving it for something special! Chairell from Canada!

zquilts said...

I am ana avid bag make myself. I love anything with zippers. I love, and to make, small cows body bags and I love the large style show with the top zipper. Zippers make me feel more secure!

Tina Fledderus said...

I absolutely love all kinds of bags. But my favorite would be a messenger bag :) over the shoulder and of you go. Couple of inside pockets and clips to hang my keys on. Got the most gorgeous Ink n Spindle fabric for it.

Christine Kaucner said...

I really like messenger-type bags. I'm hoping to get hold of this book sometime soon and make a bag for myself!

amy @ ladybugs and daisychains said...

My favourite at the moment is the large tote I made using Nikki's pattern. It's got an adjustable strap so I can wear it across body while chasing the 2 year old and carrying the bub

Linda’s Textiles said...

I like cross body bags, but also totes as I often have lots to put in my bag. Love making all types.

juliehallfeldhaus said...

I like messenger bags:)

Sherry VF said...

I like organizer bags such as the Professional Bag (recently bought the pattern). I love all the pockets and compartments. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

sandyandcosmo said...

I love tote bags because they are so versatile.

Sarah said...

I like bags that look "grown up", with structure, etc., big enough to hold the essentials and a handwork project, and with an adjustable strap, that can be either older shoulder, or cross body. Thanks for the giveaway! sarah@forrussia.org

Pamela said...

I like messenger bags - so handy for school and travel! Thanks for the chance to win this intriguing book!

Caroline said...

I'm in the messenger bag camp too!

Leah said...

A generously-sized messenger bag for all of the essentials plus room for a crafty project on the go! Your fabrics look great in these bags!! :D

auschick said...

i like messenger bags and anything with lots of pockets! Would love a copy of this book!

Jan said...

Nice roomy tote bags with pockets for all those extra bits and pieces are my favourites to carry and make but I love making different styles as long as they don't have a scary zip. However, I'm sure Nikki's instructions in this book will help me ovecome my fear.

Ann-Marie said...

I love bags that cross the body as they don't slip off all the time. I am new to bag making I have only made one, I need this book to help make me a Better Bag Maker.

Emily Johnson said...

I love anything cross body that is big enough to hold all of my stuff, and things for the kids!

Trina said...

My favourite bag has two handles - shorter ones for over the shoulder, and a longer adjustable strap that I can sling over my shoulder / pram / trolley. It is also technically a nappy bag - but I love a bag that does the organising for me!

Sewgirly said...

I can't resist a good bag! I struggle to travel lightly so a bag that holds all my necessities is a winner.

Anonymous said...

I love satchel-type bags!

Christine said...

I am a cross body bag girl. I love the hands free shopping that the cross body bag give me.

Anonymous said...

I love shoulder bag, it's comfortable and convenient for my forgetful self

MamaLovesFabric said...

Right now I'm loving all cross body bags. They're so easy to throw on and chase after my daughter with! :)

Sew Can Do said...

I like to carry a cross body or hobo bag best.

Unknown said...

U love the look of a messenger bag but usually need something bigger like a tote bag

Nessie said...

I always go for a cross body bag. Running around with two little girls I need to be hands free!

Malinda said...

I do want this book! I always have a sort of "dumping ground" purse - a few pockets inside and I kind of throw everything in BUT I've LOVED my camera bags with all the compartments.

Anonymous said...

I love the large open totes. I go through 4 bags a year in dialysis.

Nancy Hilderbrand
gandn74@ymail.com

Natalie said...

I love a bag that I can throw over my shoulder with internal pockets. I like to keep my hands free & bag close to my body allowing me to hold my childrens hands...or chase after them.

Love the Ink & Spindle fabric too, looks fab!

Mel said...

I love medium sized bags with medium length straps to go over my shoulder. Must have purse/bag feet, zips & buckles for bling.

Jeannie Gan said...

I love bag which is roomy, practical and cute.
jchiagan at yahoo dot com

Tan - tanjair@gmail.com said...

I am a messenger bag kind of girl :)

Fuchsia Narcissus said...

Crossbody or tote!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love love love an over the shoulder bag, it would be awesome to win : )